Health services research in a market-oriented health care system.

A fundamental premise of market-based changes in health care delivery is that consumers will choose from among the options available in accord with their expectations concerning cost, outcomes, and quality. These choices assume that accurate information is available about health care services and that providers and plans are accountable for the services they deliver. Health services research can provide information about what works, when, and at what cost, to guide decisions about clinical services and the organization and financing of health care.